|
|
 |
|
|
Ann. Geophys., 23, 653-658, 2005
www.ann-geophys.net/23/653/2005/
© European Geosciences Union 2005
GPS radio occultation with CHAMP and GRACE: A first look at a new and promising satellite configuration for global atmospheric sounding
J. Wickert, G. Beyerle, R. König, S. Heise, L. Grunwaldt, G. Michalak, Ch. Reigber, and T. Schmidt
GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam (GFZ), Department 1, Geodesy and Remote Sensing, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Abstract. CHAMP (CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload) and GRACE (Gravity
Recovery And Climate Experiment) formed a satellite configuration
for precise atmospheric sounding during the first activation of
the GPS (Global Positioning System) radio occultation experiment
aboard GRACE on 28 and 29 July 2004. 338 occultations were
recorded aboard both satellites, providing globally distributed
vertical profiles of refractivity, temperature and specific
humidity. The combined set of CHAMP and GRACE profiles shows
excellent agreement with meteorological analysis. Almost no
refractivity bias is observed between 5 and 30km, the standard
deviation is between 1 and 2% within this altitude interval. The
GRACE satellite clock stability is significantly improved in
comparison with CHAMP. This allows for the application of a zero
difference technique for precise analysis of the GRACE occultation
data.
Full Article in PDF (639 KB) |
|
|
